The holiday shopping season isn't just a big season for consumer spending. It's also a peak time of year for fraud. And while fraud unfortunately happens year-round, it is particularly common around the holidays. With the significant increase in online shopping, consumers need to be extra vigilant about cybersecurity at this time of the year.

Here are some tips to avoid fraud during the holidays (and all year):

• Use unique passwords. If you do not want to create unique passwords for every website you use, at least create unique ones for your online banking profile, PayPal account, credit card account, and other accounts linked to your financial information. And in all cases, do not use the same password for multiple financial accounts.
• Use a secure network when shopping online. Do not make online purchases when using a public or unsecured WiFi.
• Only shop from sites or stores you trust. Verify that you are on a store's actual website and trust your gut if something seems suspicious. Do not go to a site by clicking on an ad you received via e-mail or social media. Look at the name of company and go directly to their site.
• Use a debit or credit card with anti-fraud features or fraud alerts like Mastercard^® or Visa^®. These features can help you catch and stop unauthorized transactions before they’re approved by your financial institution.
• Monitor your credit card and banking accounts frequently. With online account access, daily monitoring is easy to do. Report any fraudulent or questionable charges as soon as you notice them. Set up email or text alerts on your credit and debit cards so you receive notice of any purchase or transaction immediately. If you don’t recognize the transaction, contact your issuer immediately.
• Keep your devices up to date with software, browser and app updates. Fraud prevention technology is constantly improving, which means most software updates include security fixes that address new vulnerabilities.
• Never give your financial or personal information over the phone to someone that initiated the call. Only give information on a call which you placed and are sure you are speaking to the desired company.
• Be careful who you trust your login information to, even if it is a close friend or relative.

NGFCU is available 24/7/365 if you suspect any fraud on your account. Call 800.633.2848 to report any suspicious activity or if you believe your financial information has been compromised.